The winners, p.21
The Winners, page 21
A noise caught Julie’s attention, a faint whirring sound which made her stop to listen. It couldn’t be traffic; they were well away from any road. Yes, it was getting louder, coming closer. She’d heard a similar noise on occasions at home when Malcolm told her it was a police helicopter searching for a suspect. Could this be the police searching for her? Dashing to the window, ignoring her knee pain, Julie squinted into the darkness but saw nothing. The noise faded and she shouted out and banged on the window. No, no, no!
Within minutes it grew louder again, the helicopter must be coming back. Julie banged harder on the window and shouted, knowing it was futile. How would something as noisy and as far away as a helicopter hear someone banging from inside a cottage?
Think, Julie, think!
There was only the downstairs light on in the cottage. Maybe they would notice if she could switch on all the lights. Struggling from one room to another, Julie moved as quickly as possible until every light in the cottage was blazing. Fuelled by adrenaline, she picked up a kitchen chair and smashed it against the window with all her strength but it wasn’t enough to break the double-glazed windows.
The helicopter hovered nearby, and Julie could see a pinprick of light flashing in the sky – they must be looking for her. The flashing light gave her an idea. If she could make the cottage lights flash, maybe they would notice and come to investigate. Julie had seen the electricity metre in a kitchen cupboard, and dragging herself to it, she opened it and reached for the switch. Suddenly plunged into darkness, her heart leapt. Counting to three, she flicked the switch again, and the cottage flooded with light. One, two, three and she flicked the switch off again. One, two, three – on. Blinded by the sudden light and then dark, Julie kept up the rhythm for several minutes. The noise above continued, although it was impossible to judge how near the helicopter was.
As exhaustion threatened to overcome her, the whirring noise which had brought her so much comfort and much-needed hope grew fainter.
‘No! Please come back…’ Her voice bounced off the walls into the empty room. Silence again became her companion as her hope of rescue dissolved. Perhaps she’d been kidding herself. It may not have been a helicopter, and if the police were looking for her, how would they know where to search? Julie shuffled to the sofa and lay down. Too exhausted to scream and shout about the unfairness of her situation, she lay staring at the ceiling, warm tears silently sliding down her face.
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
The tension was almost palpable in the Graingers’ house. Danny and Kate remained with their dad, waiting and hoping for news. They jumped at the sound of every passing car, but it was two hours until DS Matthews arrived again, looking tired but with a slight smile. Once inside, all eyes turned to him as he updated them.
‘The helicopter crew spotted a possible location. It fits with the last phone signal, and it’s possible someone was trying to attract their attention from an isolated cottage. They passed the coordinates to personnel on the ground and left the scene. We’ll be the first to know as soon as there’s any news.’
‘An isolated cottage? I don’t understand – was Julie outside attracting attention?’ Malcolm was trying to process this development.
‘No. The lights were flashing on and off. We’re looking into who owns the cottage and hope to gather as much information as possible before our men approach.’
‘If they approach and Rapier’s holding Mum there, won’t it be dangerous?’ Danny asked.
‘We’re leaning towards the theory that your mother is locked in alone. Rapier would hardly allow her to signal the helicopter crew if he was guarding her. But we do have an armed response unit on standby. Every move will be carefully considered.’
Danny nodded and noticed his sister shivering, although the room was warm. He sat beside her and slid an arm around her shoulder. Daisy lay asleep in her mother’s arms, oblivious to the drama playing out around her.
‘Why don’t you take her up to bed?’ Malcolm asked. ‘The cot’s made up in the spare room.’ Kate nodded and took the baby upstairs. When she’d left the room, Malcolm asked, ‘Do you think an armed response unit is necessary? Is there reason to believe Rapier is armed?’
‘We have no evidence to think he’s armed, but we’re not taking any chances. The unit will only be called in as a last resort, and their presence will hopefully persuade Rapier to give himself up.’
Malcolm nodded. ‘I’ll make some tea.’ He needed something to do. Never had he felt so helpless when he knew his wife needed him more than ever.
Kate returned to the lounge just as Malcolm brought in tea and biscuits, more to give them something to occupy themselves with than out of a desire to drink tea. DS Matthews’ phone rang and he left the room to take the call, the others feeling on edge. Danny stood by the door, listening intently. ‘Sit down, son. He’ll tell us soon enough,’ Malcolm urged.
When the detective returned, he brought news which wasn’t as good as they’d hoped. ‘We’ve discovered the cottage is a holiday rental,’ he said. ‘And the owners have confirmed that a Mr Sean Henderson currently occupies it. Does that name ring a bell?’
‘No, I’ve never heard of him,’ Malcolm answered, and his children shook their heads in agreement.
‘That’s not surprising. If it is Rapier, he’d hardly have given his real name. This man claims to be a writer needing solitude to work on a project, which is all the owners can tell us. The booking was made on the phone and they didn’t meet the man, the key was left in a key safe at the property for him. The update from the team on the ground is that they’re cautiously approaching the cottage, and everything seems quiet.’
‘What will they do next – get Julie out?’ Malcolm’s voice was anxious.
‘Only when they’re certain it’s safe. They’ll ring me again before making a decision.’ Tim Matthews picked up his drink and sipped the welcome liquid.
The room fell silent, its occupants each nursing their fears and dreading the evening’s outcome. Kate hugged a cushion on the sofa, tears trickling down her cheeks. Danny crossed and uncrossed his legs, sighing loudly every couple of minutes. Malcolm’s thoughts were of Julie. His fear was bad enough, but he hardly dared imagine what she was going through – the terror she must be feeling – that is, if she was still alive…
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
Julie lay still for what felt like hours, not knowing what to think. Had she really heard and seen the helicopter, or was her imagination playing tricks on her? If the police were involved, as Sean had told her, it could have been them searching for her. The silence dragged on – the doors were still locked – she was still hungry and in pain – would she ever get out of this wretched place? Perhaps she should check on Sean, but she could do nothing for him. He needed medical attention if it wasn’t already too late.
Every light in the cottage still blazed, casting shadows against the walls. Julie had consciously decided to keep each light on, a beacon for anyone searching for her. Yet, despite her intentions to remain strong, despair settled into her heart. The outside world was silent again and shrouded in darkness, leaving her with the sinking suspicion that no one would embark on a search until the first light of dawn.
Julie remained unmoving, in a trance-like state. Thinking she heard a noise from outside, she lifted her head and listened intently, but there was nothing; it was her imagination. The only sounds were the leaves rustling in the breeze and the odd hoot of an owl. Julie stood and walked over to the window at the front of the cottage. There it was again, a sound like someone walking through the dry leaves. She thought it was probably a fox but pressed her face against the window and banged on the glass, hoping she was wrong.
Julie jumped as a figure staggered out of the darkness towards the cottage. Screwing up her eyes to see more clearly, and cupping her hands on the glass, she recognised the shape as a policeman in full combat gear. Her reaction was to scream and bang even louder on the window, but she’d already attracted his attention. A tremendous crash at the cottage’s front door was followed by several police officers entering the room, alert and looking in all directions. Julie fell back against the table, stunned and trying to process what was happening.
‘Are you alone?’ the first officer shouted to her.
‘Yes! No – he’s upstairs but unconscious…’ Julie sobbed with relief, gulping in huge breaths of air. The officer was swiftly beside her, his arm around her shoulders as he guided her outside.
‘Ouch, I can’t hurry,’ she sobbed. ‘My knee.’ The officer slowed his pace.
As soon as they stepped outside, the scene was chaotic. Officers bustled around the cottage like a swarm of agitated bees.
Blue and red lights flashed as a police car pulled up to the gravel driveway, its engine idling. Julie was ushered toward the vehicle without hesitation, her heart racing, and was carefully guided inside. A female officer appeared from nowhere and climbed into the back of the car beside her. The door closed with a decisive thud. There was so much Julie wanted to tell them, to explain, and she babbled incoherently.
‘You don’t have to talk now. We’ll get you to the hospital, and you can tell us all about it when you’re feeling better.’
‘But, Sean! He needs an ambulance. I think he’s had a heart attack or a stroke…’
‘Our officers are with him and an ambulance is on its way.’ She nodded to the driver, who put the car into gear, and they moved away into the night.
‘My husband? Has anyone told him I’m okay?’ Julie gripped the young officer’s arm tightly, still tense and trembling with shock.
‘Yes, he’ll know by now. He’s been kept informed throughout the operation.’ She smiled at Julie, who rested her head on the window, lulled to silence by the motion of the car, hardly daring to believe her ordeal was finally over. Muddled thoughts raced through her brain. She longed to see Malcolm and her family but dreaded admitting how foolish she’d been to be taken in by Sean Henderson. Would Malcolm ever forgive her?
Julie closed her eyes as the heat from the car seeped into her body, yet couldn’t sleep; her mind was too active. The journey took about half an hour before she was being helped from the car into a wheelchair.
Julie surrendered to the nurse’s and doctor’s ministrations. She hadn’t the energy to protest and was grateful when they offered her pain relief as they examined her and asked questions. After taking the medication she was wheeled away for an X-ray on her knee. On her return, Julie watched as a nurse attached a drip to her arm. Just as she drifted off into sleep, the swish of the curtains around her bed heralded Malcolm’s arrival.
Malcolm held her tightly, whispering his relief at having her back. Julie felt his tears mixing with her own on her face. At that moment, nothing else mattered – any recriminations could wait. They were together, something she had feared might never happen again.
Finally pulling away from his wife’s arms, Malcolm smiled. ‘The children are outside, and the nurse said they can see you for a minute, then we must leave you to sleep.’
Julie nodded. Malcolm left the room, returning almost immediately with Danny and Kate. Hugs and tears expressed their relief at being reunited, but it was clear to her family that Julie needed rest. The mounting questions and explanations could wait until later. They left with promises to return early the following morning – they, too, would welcome a good night’s sleep.
CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
Julie slept well, dreamless hours free of the pain and worry of the last few days. Waking early, the room was still semi-dark, light coming from the corridor outside. A nurse walked past, and Julie called out to her to ask the time.
‘It’s not yet six. You could go back to sleep if you like?’
‘Any chance of a bath? I really need one,’ Julie asked. Having caught sight of herself in the bathroom mirror the evening before, she’d been horrified to see the state she was in. The nurse had helped her to wash, little more than what her mother would have called a cat-lick, but her hair was lank and dirty and dirt was ingrained in her skin. She looked hopefully at the nurse.
‘Okay. If we’re quick, we’ll beat the morning rush.’ The young woman grinned before hurrying away to fetch a wheelchair. The patient had been instructed to keep off her leg as much as possible.
Ten minutes later, Julie was relaxing in a huge bath with warm water up to her neck. It was a struggle to get in and the nurse had suggested using the hoist, but independent as ever, Julie climbed in with some assistance.
‘I’ll leave you to enjoy your soak,’ the nurse said. ‘When you’re ready or need help pull the string behind the bath.’ Leaving the room, she winked conspiratorially at her patient.
The hot water felt heavenly. Julie slid completely beneath the surface and washed her hair with the shampoo the nurse had left. After rinsing it out, she used a soap with a somewhat clinical scent to thoroughly clean her entire body, gently bathing her swollen knee. The tender bruising on her face from when Sean hit her reminded her that there would be much explaining to do when Malcolm arrived. He hadn’t mentioned the bruises but she was sure he would have noticed.
Julie lay in the bath until the water began to cool. Pulling on the string brought the same nurse rushing in to help. ‘Feeling better?’ she asked.
‘Much. Thank you.’
‘Breakfast will be another hour so would you like a cup of tea in the meantime?’
‘Sounds perfect.’ Julie smiled. When she left the hospital, she would buy the nurses the biggest box of chocolates she could find; they deserved it.
The smell of breakfast was welcome. Although her mouth was sore, Julie was hungry, and chose orange juice, scrambled eggs, toast, and marmalade. Having managed to eat it all and drink another cup of tea, Julie felt strengthened and clean for the first time in days and considered herself ready to see Malcolm. Resting her head on the pillows and closing her eyes, she soon became aware of someone watching her and opened her eyes to see her husband smiling down at her. As he bent to kiss her cheek, Julie’s emotions surprised her, and she cried.
Conversation was delayed while she sobbed in her husband’s arms. ‘Do you want me to call the nurse?’ Mal frowned, but she shook her head. ‘Probably delayed shock.’ He nodded almost knowledgeably, which made Julie smile.
‘You’re right, I’m sorry, love.’ Julie blew her nose on a tissue and pulled herself into a more comfortable position. ‘When are the children coming?’
‘Well, the doctor said you may be able to be discharged later today so they could come to see you at home.’
‘That would be wonderful! It seems like an age since I was at home. Pull up that chair and we’ll have a chat. I think I owe you an explanation.’
Malcolm did as she asked and took Julie’s hand in his. ‘You’ve been through quite an ordeal, love, and if talking about it will upset you, you don’t need to say anything.’
His concern made her feel worse. Yes, she’d been through an awful experience which she wouldn’t wish on anyone but part of her felt culpable. If she hadn’t met Sean…
‘I need to explain. The man who abducted me, Sean Henderson…’
‘No, Julie. He wasn’t called Sean, it was Phillip Rapier.’
‘What! No, I can’t believe it. How do you know?’
‘I know it’s Rapier because I saw him lead you from Costa after you fell. It was all on the CCTV camera.’
Malcolm’s words shamed Julie. What an absolute fool she’d been, whatever would her family think of her? ‘It’s not what it seems… I met him a few weeks ago and we struck up a conversation, nothing more. When I knew he wanted to take it further, I agreed to meet him one last time after we returned from Florida to tell him I couldn’t see him again. We only ever met in the coffee shop. Nothing ever happened!’ Julie gripped his hand, desperately wanting her husband to believe her.
‘I know, love. He tricked you. When his plan to blackmail me fell through he had a backup plan – you. You were a victim of his twisted mind, and I don’t blame you at all.’
His words were such a relief. She’d never forgive herself for being so gullible but was so grateful she hadn’t lost Malcolm.
‘Do the children know?’
‘Yes. It was Danny who got the CCTV footage from Costa, but they don’t think any less of you. There’s nothing to berate yourself for.’
‘Is he still alive, Rapier, I mean? The nurses don’t know anything, or they’re not telling me anyway.’
‘As far as I know, he’s alive but in ICU in a pretty bad way.’
The conversation was interrupted by the doctor, who entered the room smiling. ‘It’s good to see you looking so much better, Julie.’
Malcolm moved away so the doctor could examine her. He looked at the chart on the end of the bed, shone a light into her eyes and asked if she felt any dizziness. After a negative answer, the doctor looked from his patient to Malcolm. ‘If you think you can keep your wife off her feet for a few days, we can discharge her later today. The X-ray shows no broken bones but it appears you’ve torn your medial collateral ligament. It could have been worse. Tearing the anterior cruciate ligament would have required surgery and a longer recovery time. If you keep off your knee for the rest of the week you should see reduced swelling. We’ll give you some painkillers and see you in a week when I’ll refer you to a physiotherapist. You may need crutches afterwards, but we’ll monitor the healing.’
‘Thank you, doctor. Can I leave now?’
‘No. The physiotherapist is coming to see you after lunch. We’ll take a second X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and then you can go. Any other questions?’
